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Hong Kong Jockey Club Sets a New Standard in Responsible Gambling

In a remarkable achievement, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has once again demonstrated its leadership in responsible gambling by earning Level 4 accreditation—the pinnacle of recognition from the World Lottery Association (WLA)—for the fifth consecutive time. This prestigious accolade positions HKJC as the first organization in Asia to reach this milestone, a testament to its ongoing commitment to promoting responsible gaming practices since obtaining its inaugural Level 4 accreditation in 2011.

The journey to this recent accreditation involved a rigorous recertification process that took place in 2025. In the prior iterations, HKJC was successfully recertified in 2015, 2018, and 2021, establishing a solid foundation for its responsible gambling framework. Achieving Level 4 requires operators to demonstrate their commitment through a comprehensive approach, incorporating ten essential elements into their business operations that include research, employee training, customer education, treatment referrals, and more.

One of the significant highlights of HKJC's responsible gambling initiatives is its Off-course Betting Branch Counselling Outreach Programme, introduced in 2017. This program focuses on identifying individuals at risk of problem gambling and provides them with necessary support and early intervention strategies. By 2022, this outreach was expanded to all Off-course Betting Branches, showcasing the Club's dedication to addressing gambling-related issues within the community.

The WLA's independent assessment panel recognized the quality and breadth of the measures implemented by HKJC, especially in areas concerning underage gambling and young individuals. This acknowledgment underscores the Club's proactive stance in preventing gambling-related harm. By fostering a culture of responsible gambling, HKJC actively works to steer demand for gambling toward legal avenues, in alignment with the policies set forth by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government.

HKJC's commitment does not stop at accreditation; it also contributes substantially to community welfare. The Club has made significant financial contributions to the Ping Wo Fund (PWF), a fund aimed at supporting responsible gambling initiatives. As of the 2024/25 fiscal year, the total contributions to PWF reached HK$631 million, with plans to increase its annual contribution from HK$45 million to HK$50 million starting in July 2025.

Furthermore, the Club prioritizes engaging youth through educational initiatives, collaborating with non-governmental organizations to deliver programs in schools that promote healthy online habits and financial literacy. These efforts not only address the immediate concerns of problem gambling but also help fortify young individuals against the dangers of online addiction, cyberbullying, and misuse of personal information.

HKJC’s strategic alignment with WLA’s Responsible Gaming Principles is evident in its collaborative research efforts to enhance global standards for responsible gambling practices. The organization also ensures internal governance remains stringently aligned with responsible gambling policies, reflecting its mature commitment to creating a safe gambling environment.

Through various structured initiatives, including sports sponsorships, youth sports development projects, and community engagement efforts, HKJC strives to contribute to societal betterment. Over the past decade, the Club has allocated HK$6.69 billion in support of sports at both elite and community levels, empowering local talent through initiatives like the Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme and projects that nurture future sports stars across various disciplines.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club stands firmly at the forefront of responsible gambling in Asia, demonstrating that gambling can coexist with responsible practices, benefiting both the community and the economy at large. As it moves forward, the Club continues to set benchmarks that not only uplift its operational standards but also enhance the overall well-being of society, thereby reinforcing its vital role in the community.